A vacant property on Union Street, previously home to Budz Bar, may soon be transformed into a state-of-the-art entertainment complex, pending approval from the Aberdeen City Council. The planning application, submitted by Alpha Bravo Investments, a joint venture between Luxous and Brufab, outlines an ambitious vision for the 17,000 square foot building at 419-421 Union Street.
With a proposed investment exceeding £2 million, the Glitch entertainment complex aims to rejuvenate the property that has been vacant for 16 years. Spanning 3.5 floors, the plans detail a variety of attractions. The basement is set to become “Four One Nine,” a high-end cocktail bar targeting the 30 and above demographic that also offers live music. Additionally, discussions are underway to incorporate the Tarragon restaurant within the premises.
While the main entrance will be on Union Street, a secondary entrance for Four One Nine is planned at the back, on Justice Mill Lane.
Taking inspiration from Puttshack, a high-tech golfing entertainment experience with locations including London, and the USA, the upper floors of the building will introduce “Glitch Golf.” This isn’t your average mini-golf venue. Glitch Golf will boast four distinct nine-hole courses, each with its unique theme. Golfers can expect an immersive experience, with interactive games like roulette and “Check 4” integrated into the golfing rounds.
To top it all off, “Project Pizza” is set to occupy a section of the building, offering patrons a dedicated restaurant space equipped with authentic wood-burning pizza ovens.
The proposed development promises to be a significant addition to Aberdeen’s leisure scene, combining dining, entertainment, and sports under one roof.
Allan Smith, managing director of Luxous, a local design and fabrication company which also designed and built the Aberdeen Big Letters, currently located in the Castlegate, said, “This offers a completely new entertainment experience for the city which will cater for all ages from families with children to people looking for something different to do on a day or night out. There is still capacity in terms of space so we are considering the addition of a huge, family-themed “the floor is lava” game or some high-end golf simulators.
“We are specialists in design and manufacturing, mostly building hospitality businesses in the city, providing everything from upholstery to bars and lighting for some of Aberdeen’s best-known restaurants and bars, so we have worked closely with the hospitality industry for many years,” said Mr Smith. “We are looking forward to stepping over into the operational side of the sector and are intent on building a great team with plenty of experience.”
Bruce Porter, managing director of Brufab Fabrication and Waterjetting said, “We are very excited about the plans we have put in place for Glitch and Four One Nine. This is such a landmark venue, sitting right in the heart of the city. It has been empty for far too long and we see this as a great opportunity for helping bring Union Street back to life.
“Right from the start of this project, we have been committed to using the natural space to create something completely distinct for Aberdeen with these two very distinct entertainment venues.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the commitment to investing in a new business venture was a sign of confidence in the future of the city centre.
“This is exactly the type of project we need to help bring life and vibrancy back into the city centre,” he said. “Union Street is blessed some fantastic buildings which have lain idle and unloved for far too long. We hope that proposals such as this will act as a catalyst which will encourage more business ventures to appreciate the fantastic potential for growth and development available to them by locating on Union Street.
“The Glitch proposal will not only rejuvenate a vacant property, but it will also bring a completely new leisure experience to the city for both residents and visitors.”
The planning application which has been lodged with the city’s planning department will be considered in due course. If approved, work would begin almost immediately.